GRADUATING with Latin honors, seven alumni of the Philippine Science High School - Southern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC) in Mintal, Davao City completed their Bachelor of Science in Basic Human Studies, a preparatory medicine course, at the University of Santo Tomas.

According to the UST Office for Admissions website, BS Basic Human Studies is an innovative bachelor’s degree that serves as a preparatory program for the degree of Doctor of Medicine of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery. An alternative name for the program is Learning-Enhanced Accelerated Program for Medicine (LEAPMed).

Dominique Rae Urbiztondo graduated summa cum laude.

Julienne Isabel Luz Q. Bonleon, Louise Marie Therese B. Padillo, and Erica Nicole S. Saljay finished the pre-med course as magna cum laude while Alianna Monine A. Gaboya, Patricia Nicole B. Aquino, and Kert Matheu E. Camino completed the program as cum laude.

In terms of course content, LEAPMEd is more focused on human sciences than any existing premedical courses.

At the end of two years and two special terms, the student will exhibit proficiency in basic human sciences and exemplify readiness to pursue medical studies. Students will graduate with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Basic Human Studies (BSBHS) and will be eligible

for admission to Medicine Proper at the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

“Knowing that PSHS graduates excel in their pre-med degree is an indicator that Pisay has provided them with a good foundation through its premier Stem education. I am happy that Pisay-Davao is able to help train future doctors to be of service to the Filipino people,” said PSHS System Executive Director Lilia T. Habacon. Aries N. Oliveros